In the heart of Hayes Valley, the Romanesque Revival church at 240 Page Street stands as a lasting example of early 20th-century architecture in San Francisco. Designed by architect August Klahn and completed in 1909, the building carries more than a century of history—much of it expressed through its original stained glass windows.
By the time Unity San Francisco acquired the property in 2019, the six primary stained glass windows had fallen into a severe state of deterioration. Years of environmental exposure, aging materials, and structural fatigue had compromised both the visual clarity and physical stability of the glass. What followed was a multi-year effort in stained glass restoration, combining technical rigor with a commitment to historic stained glass repair and long-term preservation.
Understanding the Condition
Initial assessments revealed extensive issues common in aging leaded glass restoration projects:
- Fatigued and failing lead came
- Bowing and structural instability across panels
- Cracked and missing glass pieces
- Previous repairs that were no longer structurally sound
Given the condition, localized stained glass repair was not sufficient. The project required a full-scale architectural glass restoration approach to ensure both safety and historical integrity.
A Comprehensive Restoration Process
Over the course of two years, all six windows were carefully removed and transported to the studio for treatment. Each panel underwent a meticulous stained glass conservation process designed to preserve as much original material as possible while restoring structural strength.
Key phases of the project included:
Documentation and Disassembly
Each window was documented in detail before disassembly. Full-scale rubbings were created to map the original layout, ensuring accuracy during reassembly.
Cleaning and Glass Preservation
Individual glass pieces were cleaned using conservation-safe methods to remove decades of accumulated residue while maintaining original painted details and surface character.
Stained Glass Re-Leading
Due to the condition of the original lead, full stained glass re-leading was required. A new lead came was installed to restore structural integrity while maintaining the original design geometry.
Glass Matching and Replication
Where pieces were missing or beyond repair, stained glass replication/reproduction was carried out using period-appropriate materials. Careful color and texture matching ensured visual continuity.
Structural Reinforcement
To prevent future bowing, the panels were reinforced as part of a broader stained glass structural repair strategy, aligning with best practices in heritage glass preservation.
Reinstallation and Architectural Integration
Following restoration, the windows were reinstalled into their original frames at Unity San Francisco. This phase required coordination to ensure proper fit, support, and environmental protection—key components of successful architectural restoration.
The result is a set of windows that retain their historic character while meeting modern structural expectations. Light once again filters through the glass as intended, restoring a central visual and spiritual element of the space.
Preserving San Francisco’s Architectural Heritage
Projects like Unity San Francisco underscore the importance of working with experienced art glass conservators in the San Francisco Bay Area. Historic buildings rely on specialized expertise to maintain original features, particularly when dealing with ecclesiastical stained glass and early 20th-century fabrication methods.
This restoration reflects a broader commitment to:
- Stained glass preservation and conservation-first practices
- Historic building glass restoration for architecturally significant sites
- Maintaining the cultural and visual identity of San Francisco neighborhoods
By investing in proper restoration, Unity San Francisco has ensured that these windows will continue to serve the building—and the community for decades to come.